Hojlund started in Napoli's Serie A match against Fiorentina on 9/14. In the 14th minute, he received a through ball from Leonardo Spinazzola, skillfully shielded the ball from the Fiorentina defender, and then placed a shot past goalkeeper David de Gea.

Rasmus Hojlund (white jersey) competes during Napoli's 3-1 victory over Fiorentina in Serie A on 9/14. Photo: Reuters

Rasmus Hojlund (white jersey) competes during Napoli's 3-1 victory over Fiorentina in Serie A on 9/14. Photo: Reuters

This was Hojlund's first appearance and goal of the season. At Man Utd, manager Ruben Amorim had left him out of the squad for the first three Premier League matches and the League Cup loss to fourth-tier Grimsby.

"I'm very happy with the goal," Hojlund said after the match. "We've won our first three matches and want to continue like this. I'm happy to be part of this great team. We have a big match against Man City in the Champions League coming up, and we need to stay focused and sharp."

Manager Antonio Conte praised Hojlund's potential and mentioned that Scott McTominay, another former Man Utd player, is also flourishing at Napoli. After joining Napoli in the summer of 2024, the Scottish midfielder immediately won the Serie A Player of the Year award for the 2024-2025 season and was a key player in Napoli's second Scudetto win in three years.

"Hojlund is only 22 and came from Man Utd," Conte said. "Just like McTominay, and that brings luck to Napoli. We know Hojlund's qualities; he has huge potential and can improve further. He's a promising young man."

Rasmus Hojlund (left) talks with Scott McTominay during the match. Photo: Napoli

Rasmus Hojlund (left) talks with Scott McTominay during the match. Photo: Napoli

This summer, Napoli signed Hojlund on loan for 7 million USD with an option to buy for 51.4 million USD if the club finishes in a Champions League qualifying spot in Serie A this season.

"We signed Hojlund to replace Romelu Lukaku, who will be out for a long time," Conte explained. "Napoli controlled the match well today, but it's true that we also need a striker who can hold up the ball when facing teams that play a low defensive block. That's something every team that wants to dominate a match needs."

Hojlund joined Man Utd from Atalanta in the summer of 2023 for 88 million USD, plus 11 million in add-ons, and was expected to be their long-term center forward. However, after two seasons, he failed to meet expectations. In the 2024-2025 season, the Danish striker played 52 matches but scored only 10 goals, including 4 in the Premier League. In total, he has 26 goals and 6 assists in 95 appearances across all competitions.

Manager Ruben Amorim instructs Rasmus Hojlund during Man Utd's 2-1 Premier League victory over Man City on 12/15/2024. Photo: Reuters

Manager Ruben Amorim instructs Rasmus Hojlund during Man Utd's 2-1 Premier League victory over Man City on 12/15/2024. Photo: Reuters

Hojlund's opportunities diminished further when Man Utd spent 89 million USD to acquire Benjamin Sesko from Leipzig. Amorim admitted that Hojlund and Sesko have similar playing styles, so both couldn't be utilized effectively. However, Sesko himself has had a disappointing start and is suspected of following in Hojlund's footsteps at Old Trafford.

European football expert Andy Brassell said on the Trans Europe Express podcast, "Hojlund immediately integrated and scored a wonderful goal. It shows that the problem wasn't Hojlund, but Man Utd. He's promising to become the player Man Utd thought they bought two years ago."

Hong Duy (talkSPORT, Football Italy)